In most U.S. cities, single-family homes make up the single largest source of demand for water.

Got water conservation? If not, you most likely will in the coming decade. According to a national survey conducted by the U.S. Government Accountability Office, 36 states anticipate some sort of water shortage by 2013. The latest climate projections from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration show intensifying drought scenarios for large parts of North America in the coming decades. We must learn to conserve water now if we are to sustain our way of life and preserve our environment for future generations. Efficient use of water is particularly important in our homes, as many fairly easy opportunities exist there for conservation. In most U.S. cities, single-family homes make up the single largest source of demand for water. Many homes built before 1994 are equipped with inefficient plumbing fixtures and appliances that use 30%– 40% more water than modern, efficient units. A recent field study, which was funded by the federal EPA’s Office of Water, found that many people can substantially reduce their water use without altering their behavior or lifestyle simply by installing efficient fixtures and appliances. Payback time for these efficiency upgrades is typically less than five years. The company I work for, Aquacraft, Incorporated, conducted ...